POV: You just searched “best brunch in Columbia, SC”, and you’re overwhelmed with the variety of options this mid-sized city has to offer. Do I need a giant latte? Something for the grid – a mimosa flight, perhaps? Perhaps I want to splurge this morning, or maybe looking for options that don’t make my piggy bank cry for help. Something hearty? Something light?
Luckily, there’s an option for everyone depending on the occasion.
Here’s what I recommend as a local Columbia Foodie, based on where you’re located in Columbia.
Where to Get Brunch in 5 Points & Devine St
The Gourmet Shop
Gourmet Shop Menu | 724 Saluda Ave., Columbia, SC 29205
Mimosa kits, bellini kits, pimento cheese spread… The Gourmet Shop honestly covers all the brunch bases. The seating is limited, but it’s first come, first serve outside making it the perfect option for a sunny day. If you’ve had one too many mimosas and want to keep the party going, grab some cheese, crackers, and a bottle of wine from their enormous selection.
For the main course, my go-to Gourmet Shop favorite is their pick 3 (pictured below). It allows you to get a taste of everything, and you’ll want to because everything there is SO good.
Publico
Publico Menu | 2013 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205
I’ve always considered Publico’s patio as the backyard hotspot of Columbia. You have your picnic tables, the yard games, and the neighborly vibes. Publico is my go-to when I have friends in town, the sun is out, and there is nothing to do but waste the day.
When it comes to brunch at Publico, I almost always go for the Chilaquiles, but, when I have a sweet tooth I’ll opt for the Plantain Pancakes. If you go early on a Saturday, chances are high you’ll grab a pineapple margarita – in a pineapple.
The best part of Publico, though, is that it is so dog friendly. How dog friendly? Check out the puppy menu and decide for yourself.
Henry’s
Henry’s Menu | 2865 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205
If you’ve been to Henry’s you have to know that their chicken tenders are out of this world. Their brunch also exceeds expectations, especially when it’s enough to feed a village. Henry’s definitely falls in the hearty, bang-for-your-buck category.
This is the place to go when you were overserved at the social outing the night before, can’t get out of your leggings, and need something to soak up the alcohol. They’re typically very quick so you likely won’t have a wait, but also won’t be rushed out the door when you’re finished.
I recommend the “chonga” which could cure a community’s hangover.
Za’s on Devine
Za’s on Devine Menu | 2930 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205
Two words: breakfast pizza.
Za’s is a good vibe if you’re looking to lay low. You can get a lot of bang for your buck while sipping on quality espresso martinis, or whatever various cocktail specials they have at that time.
The layout is ideal if you’re out with family or close friends as people typically keep to themselves.
Best Brunch in Downtown Columbia & Vista
Hall’s Columbia
I say “Espresso”, you say “MARTINI”. Because when it comes down to it, Halls does espresso martinis best.
Hall’s is your best brunch option if you consider brunch a social outing (as if there are people who don’t?). It’s higher on the pricing scale, but you get what you pay for. The food is great, the cocktails are effective, you get free bread, and the service is always good.
From here, you can enjoy a nice stroll around the capital across the street.
smallSUGAR
smallSUGAR Menu | 709 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201
smallSUGAR (in my opinion) is hands down the best brunch in Columbia, SC. Their soft scrambled egg tartine was my tried and true brunch order for many months, but one day I ordered the smallSUGAR breakfast, subbing out the boiled egg for scrambled, and never looked back.
smallSUGAR is the perfect brunch place if you’re looking for a quiet place to chat, work, read, or you just want a foamy latte with a fresh, delicious breakfast.
Even if smallSUGAR isn’t your brunch choice after reading this, it still needs to be added to your rotation.
Curiosity Coffee Bar
Curiosity Coffee Bar Menu | 2327 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
Curiosity Coffee Bar is a good option if you’re:
- open to takeout/grab and go, as it can be crowded
- a limited, but mighty menu
- want quality vegan /gluten-free options
Curiosity Coffee Bar isn’t your typical brunch option, but their food and coffee are both too great not to mention.
Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits
Fat Cat Biscuits Menu | 2430 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
For when you’re on the go – but want something hearty. And I do mean hearty. I recommend Rambo’s Fat Cats – specifically the Sausage and Pimento Cheese Biscuit, Brie + Fig Jam, or the Fried Chicken with Scallion Aioli & Pickles for filling and wildly flavorful options.
Fat Cat has limited seating and is known to have a hefty line, but they do serve mimosas! Saturday morning, from 9-1 you can find them at Soda City for a grab-and-go if you’re looking to add the market to your brunch plans.
West Columbia Brunch Spots
Cafe Strudel
Cafe Strudel Menu | 300 State St, West Columbia, SC 29169
Cafe Strudel, a Columbia hot spot.
Cafe Strudel has reached “Southern Living” magazine’s recognition for their Hangover Hashbrowns. With that claim to fame, it’s not unusual to see a line all the way around the block on the weekends. In addition to the hashbrowns, they have one of the best breakfast burritos in Columbia.
This is a good place if you’re brunching with a small group as it can get a little crammed.
Breakfast at Ruiz
Breakfast at Ruiz Menu | 116 State St, West Columbia, SC 29169
Breakfast at Ruiz is the place to go for your gal pal brunches, or any group of friends who are thirsty enough to tackle the mimosa flight. Yup, you heard that right – mimosa flight.
You’re likely to encounter a line here, but they’re very quick so you probably won’t have to wait long. And, as previously mentioned, they have mimosa flights that effectively make you forget there was a wait at all. Assuming you split the flight amongst friends, you can also get bang for your buck here.
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